Pulse Meter Selection
Select a pulse meter that is appropriately sized for the flow rate and pipe diameter of your application. Do not reduce the pipe size to accommodate a pulse meter, as this can lead to inaccurate measurements and system inefficiencies.
Common flow rate ranges for standard meter types include:
Metric | Imperial | Typical Flow* | Max Flow* | Units |
---|---|---|---|---|
12mm | 1/2” | 10 | 15 | lpm |
19mm | 3/4” | 30 | 40 | lpm |
25mm | 1” | 50 | 100 | lpm |
32mm | 1 1/4” | 100 | 140 | lpm |
40mm | 1.5” | 150 | 200 | lpm |
50mm | 2” | 250 | 400 | lpm |
80mm | 3” | 500 | 800 | lpm |
Fluid Compatibility
When selecting a pulse meter, make sure it is constructed from materials compatible with the specific fluid and operational environment.
- Diesel is compatible with aluminium meters and most common materials.
- AdBlue (DEF) must only be used with stainless steel meters to prevent corrosion or contamination.
- Specialised lubricants and chemicals may require meters made from specific materials—consult manufacturer specifications.
- Plastic or polymer-based meters may not be suitable for long-term use in harsh conditions due to wear and tear concerns.
Hall Effect Meters
Hall effect meters deliver consistent, reliable pulse outputs and are preferred for applications requiring high measurement confidence. These meters usually:
- Offer superior accuracy and repeatability over extended periods.
- Perform better in high-flow environments.
- Require external power supply to operate.
Reed Meters
Reed meters are passive devices that do not require a power supply, making them a cost-effective option for basic measurement needs.
- Ideal for non-critical applications where high precision is not essential.
- Generally more affordable, but with lower long-term accuracy and repeatability.
Meter Display
In some installations—particularly retrofits—it is advisable to incorporate a digital meter display alongside the pulse meter.
- Digital pulse meters usually offer higher accuracy than mechanical counterparts
- Using a single digital display reduces the risk of discrepancies between multiple measurement sources
- Only one device requires calibration, simplifying ongoing maintenance and compliance